Porcelain is still selected frequently in fixed dental restorations. Porcelain remains widely used for its aesthetic resemblance to natural enamel. The translucency mimics natural teeth under light. Patients often prefer it for visible front restorations. It’s bonded to substructures like zirconia or metal. Full porcelain crowns are fragile alone but stronger with support. The material resists staining from coffee or tobacco. Though brittle, it holds polish well and maintains long-term color stability.
Zirconia provides excellent durability and is highly resistant to fractures
Monolithic options now compete with layered ceramics. Zirconia provides excellent durability and is highly resistant to fractures. It withstands chewing pressure in molars and bridges. Milled zirconia has improved fit due to CAD/CAM techniques. It’s often chosen for posterior crowns because of its strength. While opaque compared to glass ceramics, it has been enhanced aesthetically. The absence of metal prevents gingival discoloration. It also demonstrates biocompatibility with gum tissues.
Acrylic resin is commonly used in removable dentures and temporary prosthetics
Removable prosthetics require different characteristics. Acrylic resin is commonly used in removable dentures and temporary prosthetics. It’s lightweight and easy to adjust chairside. Technicians manipulate its form during the lab process. It offers good aesthetics at a lower cost. Over time, it may wear down or discolor. Fractures can occur with extended use. Still, repairs are simple and inexpensive. Soft liners made from flexible resin improve comfort for some patients.
Cobalt-chrome alloys give structural stability while reducing prosthesis weight
Full metal options persist in specific indications. Cobalt-chrome alloys give structural stability while reducing prosthesis weight. These metals resist corrosion and remain bioinert. Their strength allows for thinner frameworks in partial dentures. Minimal bulk translates to patient comfort during chewing. Such alloys form the base of removable skeletal designs. However, aesthetic limitations restrict their anterior use. Some patients reject visible metal clasps despite functional success.
Lithium disilicate is appreciated for its balance between strength and translucency
Pressed ceramics offer another direction in fixed restorations. Lithium disilicate is appreciated for its balance between strength and translucency. Indicated mostly for anterior crowns and veneers. It delivers superior esthetics with decent durability. Dentists often use it when appearance matters most. The material can be etched and bonded effectively. That helps in preserving natural tooth structure during preparation. Technicians color-match lithium disilicate easily for natural blending.
PMMA is selected for interim crowns and long-term temporary bridges
Not every prosthetic is permanent. PMMA is selected for interim crowns and long-term temporary bridges. These materials allow evaluation before final cementation. PMMA stands for polymethyl methacrylate, a thermoplastic resin. It’s milled digitally for precise short-term solutions. Though weaker than final materials, it guides occlusal adjustments. Temporary prostheses using PMMA help in full-mouth rehabilitation planning. PMMA lacks long-term color stability but offers functional trials.
Titanium is the material of choice for dental implant abutments and frameworks
Titanium has become inseparable from implant dentistry. Titanium is the material of choice for dental implant abutments and frameworks. Its biocompatibility supports osseointegration without rejection. Surface treatments improve its bone bonding properties. The metal’s lightness and strength benefit large reconstructions. Implants fabricated from pure titanium or alloys show long-term stability. Its use is mostly subgingival and hidden from sight. Still, it plays a foundational role in many restorations.
Gold alloys were historically favored for their malleability and biocompatibility
Though less common today, traditional metals hold relevance. Gold alloys were historically favored for their malleability and biocompatibility. They adapt well to margin precision during casting. Many long-lasting crowns used high-gold content alloys. Such restorations resisted wear and rarely fractured. Their yellow hue made them unpopular for front teeth. Rising gold prices also reduced their frequency. Nonetheless, some clinicians still choose gold for molars.
Glass ionomer cement releases fluoride and supports caries prevention under prostheses
Cementation plays a critical role in prosthetic success. Glass ionomer cement releases fluoride and supports caries prevention under prostheses. It chemically bonds to enamel and dentin. Used commonly in pediatric and geriatric cases. Although weaker than resin cements, it’s moisture-tolerant. Dentists may prefer it under crowns in caries-prone patients. Modified versions offer improved strength for broader use. The slow fluoride release benefits surrounding tooth structures.
Hybrid ceramics combine the resilience of polymers with ceramic surface esthetics
Material innovation continues to expand clinical choices. Hybrid ceramics combine the resilience of polymers with ceramic surface esthetics. These composites are easier to mill and polish. They absorb chewing forces, reducing opposing tooth wear. Their lower hardness reduces chipping risk. Chairside restorations often employ hybrid blocks. Dentists appreciate their workflow efficiency. While not as strong as zirconia, they deliver flexibility and aesthetics in balance.